In our latest podcast, we review the entire design process of Valley, the backpack for digital nomads that we designed for our friends at Barner Brand, which has recently been recognized with a Red Dot Design Award. It was a very interesting conversation, from which we have gathered some key learnings that we want to share with all of you.
1. Never underestimate a design award
Edu and Rai, co-founders of Barner Brand, admit that until they won the Red Dot Design Award, they didn't realize the prestige of the prize. Seeing that their backpack shared recognition with designs from Google and Phillips made them understand that their product, in terms of design, was on par with the best.
"Sometimes, these kinds of recognitions provide the confidence boost we need to truly appreciate our products."
2. Know your target audience and grow your business
We all know that Barner is a brand famous for its glasses and that its target audience is digital nomads. Their deep understanding of their target audience allowed Edu and Rai to conceive this backpack designed to meet the multiple needs of a digital nomad in their daily life.
"Investing in understanding your user will allow you to generate insights that can eventually turn into great products for them. For a company, this translates to growth."
3. Crowdfunding as a validation tool
For them, crowdfunding was a validation tool that allowed them to test their product with their customers. Although they acknowledge that crowdfunding has become increasingly challenging, they consider it a great tool that helps predict the reception of a product from day one.
"A well-detailed campaign that perfectly explains the product, its attributes, and its story is essential to build the trust users need on these platforms."
4. The importance of pattern making to save time and resources
Edu and Rai agree on the importance of pattern making in textile product design. A well-executed pattern-making process ensures a real, viable, and final prototype. They explain that since they decided to work with Lúcid, the first prototype was almost final, thanks to excellent pattern work.
"Bringing a concept to reality requires extensive knowledge in pattern making, so that anyone involved in the process can understand how to create an effective prototype."
5. Costs-the critical factor that can change everything
Both Lúcid and Barner explain that their initial product idea had many features. Prioritization was key to achieving an attractive, functional, and cost-effective product.
Edu and Rai describe the process of rationalizing and prioritizing functionalities as the least rewarding part of the project, but they recognize that finding a balance between features and costs is crucial to making a manufacturable and affordable product.
6. Choose the right partners
In the podcast, the Barner team explains that they initially tried to carry out the project on their own but soon realized it was an impossible task. Therefore, they decided to contact Lúcid, who redesigned the concept and provided them with an almost final prototype that convinced them immediately. As Edu and Rai explain in the podcast, designing glasses is not the same as designing backpacks. Working together was the key to materializing and bringing their idea to life.
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